LECTIN-BINDING AND IDENTIFICATION OF SIALIC-ACID ACCEPTOR SUGARS IN RABBIT OVIDUCT UNDER HORMONE ADMINISTRATION

Localization of individual glycosidic residues and sialic acid accepto r sugars was investigated by conjugated lectins in the rabbit oviduct under physiological hormonal conditions and human chorionic gonadotrop in (HCG) administration. Ampulla and isthmus were found to exhibit lec tin binding profiles typical of each hormonal stage. Two different sia lylated glycomolecules were identified within the epithelial lining; i n particular, sialoglycoconjugates characterized by the terminal seque nce sialic acid-galactose were visualized in the secretory cells and t he sialic acid-N-acetylgalactosamine terminal disaccharides were local ized on both ciliated and secretory cells of the entire oviduct. Surfa ce and cytoplasmic sialoglycoconjugates were also found to exhibit a d ifferential behaviour inside the two oviduct tracts examined. Present findings further supported the idea that in ampulla and isthmus, the g reatest modifications consequent to hormone treatment take place at di fferent times. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.